Primitive Archer

I would use a cabinet scraper and remove the residual wood. If you don’t have a cabinet scraper, a pocket knife or something similar will work.
As far as the crack is concerned, as long as it runs with the grain, and does not get to close to the edge, it will be fine. I’ve made multiple bows with similar cracks and have had no issues.  I fill them with thin super glue until they won’t absorb anymore, and then tiller from there.
If you can get a good back chased there’s no need on Osage to back with rawhide. You gain nothing in performance and are just adding needless weight to the back of the bow, which robs cast. I would only use rawhide as a preventative in the case of a questionable back.

Thanks all for the insightful tips! Sorry it's been a bit, the farm has really picked up and I've been so busy that I completely forgot to come back here with a check in. (Since then we've had 3 calves born and put several thousand plants in the hight tunnels and ground).

Anywho! I shortened my string up quite a bit and it pulled that arrow right back into where it was supposed to go.

Since then I've made up some more shafts, and fletched a couple of them. Right now I only have pheasant tailfeathers to work with, but I'm loving the way they fly and how quiet they are. I'm planning to do an experiment with 2 vs 3 feathers, but I'm definitely liking the way that the 2 feather style stacks together.

I've even knapped my first arrowhead from flint I found in Ohio's Flint Ridge.

I'll make sure to come back and update with some pics once I have everything squared away!

Kyle, you always do things your way... congrats.  I always enjoy seeing your tiny hammock/tent thing at MoJam, but I'm old and fragile and prefer a real tent/camper.   You did a great job on that bow and I look forward to seeing it at MoJam.  I would have heated it...but I'm old and lazy.  See you in July!

Now that is just wild. You definitely have more patience and skill than I do. Wel done for sure.

My Jawage tree graft looks like it is ready for another year.
Bjrogg